This artist has seen the future, and it is beautiful

Every month, we feature a new take on the CBC Arts logo created by a Canadian artist. Check out our previous logos!

Natalie King is an artist who's explored everything from painting and sculpture to video and installation work. But no matter the shape her art takes, King strives to convey an uplifting and transformative message. Says the artist: "I would like people to leave with a sense of world-building, pleasure-centred resistance and joy."

King is a two-spirit, queer, Anishinaabe artist and CBC Arts commissioned her to make this logo for Pride and National Indigenous History Month. She used watercolour, felt pen, and a bit of digital magic to produce the piece, and like much of her art, the doll-eyed figure gazing out from the centre of the gem represents King's kin, and the "ambiguity and multiplicities of identity within the Anishinaabeg queer experience."

"Using art as a connection with our culture, land and each other, is important," King told CBC Arts. She spoke more about the piece — and her practice — when we reached out to her by email.

Name: Natalie King 

Homebase: Toronto

Let's talk about your logo! What are we looking at?

We are looking at a figure in the centre of the logo who is surrounded by ribbons, sweetgrass and braids.

Who is the figure at the centre of the logo? What do they represent?

To me, the figure at the centre of the logo represents queer Indigenous 2S kin. 

What inspired the concept?

My work is motivated by a firm commitment to embracing and portraying 2S and queer Indigenous livelihood. I seek to challenge and reshape societal norms, providing a critical lens that envisions hopes of a future liberated from colonial constraints. 

Reclaiming identity, desire, and survivance are central themes driving my artistic motivation. Within my artworks, the figures depicted retain power. These paintings serve as gateways, opening portals to a realm of potentialities. They act as both visual representations and conceptual notions, offering glimpses into the possibilities of a self-determined future. These figures not only exist as visual images but also as embodiments of ideas and aspirations.

What sources do you often turn to for ideas and inspiration?

Two-spirit kin and friends, family. Joy and jubilation, freedom. I am inspired by the many Indigenous artists who came before me who continually give me hope for the future. I am inspired by future-bound artistic practices and world-building. I am also very inspired by my peers in the Toronto arts community.

What's the project you're most proud of?

I am most proud of my ability to juggle working full-time as an arts administrator (at Xpace Cultural Centre) while continuing a full-time arts practice. 

What's new in your world? What are you working on these days?

I am currently working on illustrations for a resource guide on legal considerations for Indigenous artists and designers. It's for the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, CARFAC Ontario, Artists' Legal Advice Services and the RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers. As well, I'm working on a solo exhibition for the Alliance Française Toronto. The exhibition (triumphant stories of good medicine) is on from June 8 to 29.

What's your favourite place to see art?

Great places to see art in Toronto: Hearth, Xpace Cultural Centre, Onsite Gallery, Nia Centre for the Arts, Whippersnapper Gallery, G44, Tangled Art + Disability, Gallery TPW, Mercer Union and Scarborough Arts are always doing great things. These places not only support the arts but care for the people within them. 

Who's the last artist you discovered online?

The last artist I discovered online was Jake Kimble (@jakekimble), an artist and photographer whose work I love. 

What work of art do you wish you owned?

Oh so many! I couldn't count honestly, but the first things that come to mind are: any ceramic piece by Misbah Ahmed (@misb_h) or an embroidery piece by Par Nair (@parnairr). I would also love to have a print of Khadijah Morley's (@peenutbuttahbabe) work.

Are there any arts events on your radar this June? What are you excited to check out?

I am very excited to check out the third annual 2 Spirit Powwow in the city June 1. It's hosted by 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations.

Where can we see more from you?

You can see more of my work on Instagram (@natalielauraking) and also my website (www.natalielauraking.com). 

I'll be having a solo exhibition next February – May at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation on Manitoulin Island. Also, I'm continuing to support emerging artists as a programming coordinator at Xpace Cultural Centre — programming workshops, events and exhibitions.

This conversation has been edited and condensed.